Control apparatus



Sept. 24, 1940. c. E. MASON 2,216,939

CONTROL APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1935 8 .Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Sept. 24, 1940. c. E. MASON CONTROL APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 iNvENToR CL 5.50 f'filbav.

BY lid ATTORNEYS cfE. MASON 2,216,039

CONTROL APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 se t'. 24, 1-940.

Sept. 24, 1940; q MASON 2.216,039

CONTROL APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTO'R 625.550 ATM/9J0 BY/fl ATTORNEYS Sept. 24. 1940- c. E. MASON CONTROL APPARATUS 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 551 INVENTOR 6.45.550 E /77J0 V Wk; ,0 I

5x12) ATTORNEYS q- 1940- c. EfMAsoN 2,216,039

CONTROL APPARATUS Filed July 3]., 1955 8 SheetsSheet 'T 1 v INVEIAVTOIR 'JATTORNEYS Sept. 24, 1940. E, MASON 2,216,039

CONTROL APPARATUS Filed my 31, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 PEUTRAL INVENTOR Clesso'n E. Mason M *QM ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 24, 1940 I 2,216,039

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONTROL APPARATUS Clesson E. Mason, Foxboro, Masa, assignor to The Foxboro Company, Foxboro, Mass, :1. corporation of Massachusetts Application July 31, 1935, Serial No. 34,111 20 Claims. (01. 137-68) This invention pertains to control mechanism. of apparatus shown in Figure 7 with otheruparts The embodiment chosen to illustrate the invenomitted;

tion is shown as particularly adapted for control- Figures 16, 1'7 and 18 are views similar to Figling the liquid level in a container by varying ure 15 showing theparts in different positions; quantities which determine the value of the liquid Figure 19 is a section on line l9-l9 of Figure '7. level. Figure 20 diagrammatically shows the range It is an object of the invention to provide conof the wide throttling and narrow throttling control mechanism which will efiiciently accomplish trol changes which may be indicatedby the scale such a control. I shown in Figure 2. w

Other objects will be in part obvious and in Corresponding reference characters refer to part pointed out hereinafter. corresponding parts throughout the several views The invention accordingly consists in the feaof the drawings. tures of construction, combinations of elements, Referring to Figure 1 there is shown at III' a and arrangements of parts as will be exemplified tank such as might be used in an industrial proc- 5 in the structure to be hereinafter described and ess. Liquid flows to the tank through a pipe not the scope of the application of which will be inshown. A valve 12 in line ll'regulates the flow dicated in the following claims. of the material from the tan In the accompanying drawings, in which are In the present embodiment the liquid level in shown onevor more of the various possible emdicated at .13 is measured by a ball-float is bodiments of this inventionmounted in afloat chamber l5 connected with Figure 1 shows in vertical section a housing for the tank through pipes 16 and H. The position a ball-float (shown in elevation) for indicating of the ball-float is determined by the liquid level the liquid level in a tank. Control mechanism in the tank and is transmitted to control mech-' associated with the float and located in front ani'sm (Figure 2) containeriin casing generally of the float mechanism is not shown in this indicated at l8 which control mechanism through 5 fi u a pneumaticisystem operates a diaphragm motor Figure 2 is a front elevation of the. exterior of generally indicated at I9 which operates the valve the casing containing the control mechanism; I2. The control mechanism employs the prin- .,Figure 31s a right side elevationof the casing; ciples described in my Patent No. 1,897,135, is- Figure 4 is an enlargedvertical section taken sued February 14, 1933, which patent reissued as through line 4-4 of Figure 1 showing in vertical Reissue 20,092 011 September 1, 1936- section parts of the control mechanism; It is desirable to have the control mechanism Figure 5 1S a diagrammatic flowsheet f immediately responsive to minute changes in the pneumatic control system operated by the control liquid level and to this end the entire mecha- 85 mechanism; nism should be free from such'frictional resist- Figure 6 is a detail view of a distributing link as Prevent it resmnding 0f the mechanism shown in Figure movement of the ball-float or. would prevent the I ball-float from responding to movement of the gggig g sg ig zgz gg312233 21 g 2: liquid level. Further, it is often desirable in gu controlling liquid levels to have either a relatively 4o 4 2 the cover being removed wide throttling range so that the liquid level may F1gure 8 is a horizon sectlon taken on h be permitted to vary considerably without changhue 8-4 of Flgure ing the flow appreciably, or av narrowthrottling Figure 9 is a detail of a slidable connecting clip; range wherein the level would be maintained Figure 9 is a vertical Section taken on line substantially constant but the'flow would be of figure 7; varied widely ,to maintain the level constant.

Figure 11 is a Section taken 01111118 "-U of These desirable features areaccomplished in the Figure 10; present invention.

Figure 12 is a section taken on line l2--l2 of Referring to Figure 1, the ball-float mechanism Figure 10; comprises the float, a rod 20 secured at one end 50 Figure 13 is a section taken on line l3-l3 of to the float and at the other to a rack 23, and a Figure '1; I counterweight rod 26 secured to the rack. The Figure 14 is a section taken on line 14-44 of whole is mounted in the: float chamber and a Figure '7; casing formed by sections 2| and 22 suitably held Figure 15 is a view showing linkage mechanism together by bolts and gaskets to provide a, fluid 55 tight structure. Rack 23 is cut out to receive a hardened notched supporting member 24. Adjustable counterweights 21 are carried by rod 26.

This assembly is supported by a knife edge 28 (Figure 4) mounted on a shelf 29 extending into the casing from a cover plate 30. Projecting downwardly from the sides of the rack are guide plates 9 suitably held in place by screws 8 to keep the rack from inadvertently sliding tion with respect to the knife. The edge of the knife 28 sitting in the notched member 24 provides a pivotal substantially frictionless support for the float assembly, the ball l4 being free to change its position with slight changes in the liquid level. As shown, a swing of 30 (15 either side of the normal level) is permitted. The counterweights 21 may be adjusted along the rod 26 to adapt the float to liquids of varying specific gravities.

To aid in shipping of the instrument the lower inside surface of the rack 23 is notched as shown at 32. Before shipping, a bolt 33 is threaded up to clamp the rack 23 against the lower edges of the shelf 29 which are so constructed as to mesh with notches 32. cap 34 so that when the bolt is withdrawn from clamping position after the apparatus has been installed the assembly may be made leak-proof by tightening the cover cap 34.

Referring to Figure 4, mechanism for transmitting the rotational movement of the ball-float to the control mechanism is shown. Secured to the top of rack 23 and positioned in a groove 35 extending across the rack parallel with the knife edge, is a resilient connecting link 36. The link isbent so that its other end may be secured by suitable screws to a split block 31 provided with a hole 38, the axis of which is approximately coincident with a line containing the knife edge. Block 31 is secured to a shaft 46 (by clamping screw 39) freely supported in a pressure tight bearing generally indicated at 4|, which in the present embodiment includes an outer supporting casing 42 having a bore 42a and threadably mounted in a block 2 la secured to casing 2|. The casing 42 carries at its right end a bushing 43 forced into the bore 42a. At the left end the bore 42a is provided with ab'ushing 44 suitably held in place. The shaft 40 is preferably of a hardened material accurately machined as are the bushings. The bore of the bushing 43 is preferably machinedto the same diameter as the shaft. Thebushing 44 is provided with a bore to give the usual clearance between it and the shaft 40. The shaft 40 is slipped through bushing 44 and ground into bushing 43 with a suitable grinding operation so that the clearance between the shaft and bushing is very small. A lubricating film is maintained between the shaft and bushing by forcing lubricant under pressure through a passage 45 communicating with the interior of the casing 42. The small clearance between the shaft and bushing 43 prevents undesirable flow of the lubricant from the right end of the bearing assembly. The process pressure is usually sufficient to prevent flow from the left end.

As shown in Figure 4, the pressure bearing assembly extends forwardly through the back of housing 1 in which the control mechanism is 10- cated'and to which the ball-float mechanism casing is suitably bolted. Mounted on shaft 40 is a split block 41 which is clamped to the shaft by tightening a screw 41a in the block. The back side of the block has a curved, convex surface for providing a suitable contact with bushing 43 to limit the axial movement of shaft 40 out of posihell are not resisted and are Bolt 33 is covered by 46b and a supporting member 460. The supporting member 460 is supported by and locked to casing'42 by a nut 46d threaded on to the casing. The adjustments are preferably made to allow slight axial play of the shaft 40.

The axes of the various parts making up the substantially frictionless pressure tight bearing are coincident with a line containing the knife edge 28 so that as the ball-float pivots about the knife edge its rotational movement is transmitted to the split block 41 without creating any undesirable pressure between the parts that would produce friction. The resilient connection 36 between the float and shaft furthers the assurance against any such forces coming into existence.

With this construction slight movements of ti: transmitted freely and accurately to the shaft 40 and block 41. The weight of the relatively heavy-ball-float assembly is carried by ,the liquid in chamberl5 and by the knife edge which affords a substantially frictionless pivotal support. The motion of the ballfloat assembly is transmitted through .the resilient member 36 and the mounted shaft 40 to the block 41.

Control mechanism As above mentioned the measurements made by the liquid level mechanism are transmitted to a control mechanism which through motor I 9 positions valve l2. The principles employed in the control mechanism are described in the above cated at 53 a control head. The control head is connected through a-pipe 50 with an air supply not shown. A reducing valve diagrammatically shown at 50a is provided in pipe 50 to adjust the air pressure under which the control mechanism operates. Tne pipe 50 connects with a header 5| and. port 52 shown in dotted lines in the header. The port 52 terminates in a chamber 54' plugged at the right end by a plug 55. The left end of the chamber connects with a passage 56 communicating at-its other end with the atmosphere. The passage 56 also connects with a port 51a and supports a double headed valve 51. In its extreme right position valve 51 closes passage 56 from the atmosphere and in its extreme left position opens the passage to the atmosphere but completely closes it from chamber 54. Port 51a is connected by pipe 58 to diaphragm motor I9. Thus when the valve is in the extreme left position the diaphragm motor is connected with the atmosphere and when the valve is in its extreme right position the diaphragm motor i5 connected with the chamber 54 and full line pressure in port 52. Thus, by suitable operation of the instrument, as will be described, the pressure on the diaphragm motor may be varied from zero-to the maximum pressure in the supply line.

The valve 51 is positioned by the bellows 59 which expand to move the valve to the right with increasing pressure and collapse to move the valve to the left with decreasing pressure.

' and by a rack 'of an inch.

The pressure in the bellows is controlled by a pneumatic control couple comprising a nozzle 60 and flapper GI. Nozzle 60 is connected to the supply port 52 by pipe-62, having a restricting tube 63 to regulate the flow of gas to the nozzle. The nozzle is mounted on a bellows 64 connected to the pressure in the pipe 02. The pressure in the line 62 is varied by the relative positions of the nozzle and flapper 6 I.

When the flapper covers the nozzle opening, a maximum back pressure starts building up in the line 62 and bellows 59. When the flapper is moved away from the nozzle 60. the pressure in the line 62 and bellows 50 starts decreasing. When the flapper 6| is moved away from the nozzle beyond back pressure in line 02 and bellows 59 decreases to a certain minimum back pressure. For various intermediate relative positions of the nozzle and flapper, the back pressure in line 02 and bellows 50 balances to various values intermediate the maximum and minimum back pressures.

in the present embodiment when the flapper and nozzle are separated beyond approximately a thousandth of an inch, the back-pressure in line. 62 and bellows back pressure above referred'to. Thus the range of movement of the flapper with respect to the nozzle, for establishing the said intermediate back pressures, is approximately one thousandth between the nozzle and describedin Patent No. 1,897,135. The control mechanism shown in Figure '7 is adapted to accomplish this. Referring again to the diagrammatic flow sheet (Figure 5) and to Figure 19, flapper SI is held against a stop screw 10 by a hair spring GIa. The screw is adjustably mounted in a pivoted lever II which is positioned through mechanism not shown in the flow sheet by element I00 attached to block 01 and shaft 00 which are rotated by the ball-float,

IS. The rack 13 is mounted between opposing bellows II and 15. when equal pressures exist in the bellows, the rack assumes a neutral position, but if the bellows ll has a pressure within higher than the pressure in bel- The relative position the flapper varies as lows I5, the rack is shifted to the right an amount be inserted between added and the sum mitted to lever 1| and to the flapper 6|.

present embodiment bellows corresponding to the pressure difference. If bellows I5 has a pressure within higher than the pressure in bellows I0, the rack is shifted to the left of neutral position an amount corresponding to the pressure difference. The movements of the condition sensitive element I00 and the rack I3, through the linkage mechanism, are algebraically of the movements is trans- As shown in the 14 is connected through pipe 10 with port 51a in the control head 5| which port also communicates with pipe 58 and the diaphragm motor. Thus, the pressure in bellows I4 is the same as that existing in the diaphragm motor.

Bellows I5 and bellows I4 are connected by means of tubing contained in a housing I0. The tubing has a capillary bore and serves to restrict the flow of gas from or to bellows 5 so that changes in pressure in the bellows 10 due to changes in position of the valve 51 only gradually are transmitted to the bellows I5 as the equalizing pressure seeps through the capillary tubing. Several lines of capillary tubing are usually provided so that more or less capillary tubing can the bellows 10 and 15, depending upon the nature of the process being'cona certain limited distance, the

59 decreases to the minimumtrolled. As shown in Figure '1, the capillary tubes have leads 18a which may be connected with one another through the couplings shown. Varying relative pressures in the bellows I4 and 15 position the rack 13 as fully described in Patent No. 1,897,135.

Connected to line 11 and 10a by means of piping or tubing 1'") isa chamber "a. This chamber gives additional capacity to the bellows I! when needed.

The linkage for transmitting to the flapper the motions of changes in position of the condition sensitive element and changes in the position of the rack without undesirablefrictional resistance or lost motion is shown in Figures 7 7 through 18.

Referring more particularly to Figures 6 and 7, on block 41 is mounted a distributor link I00 having a hole for receiving the end of shaft II, and a curved slot =IOI- cut out portion as shown in Figure 6. A screw I02 threaded into-block ll clamps the distributing link in place. The which meshes with theenlarged part of the slot to align the link with the assumes positions correspondingto'position of the bail-float. Axis A coincident with the axis of shaft 40' forms one flxedfulcrum of the lever mechanism. Another fixed point of the lever mechanism is shown at B (Figures 7 and 15), about which point a frame. at I05 (Figure 8) is pivoted.v The frame comprises an outer plate I06 and an inner plate I01 held together by spacing sleeves I 00 and screws I00. The frame is suitably pivoted between two arms 0 and III, the arm III being secured to. the back of the casing 1 by a screw and a projection 2 extending into a hole in the back of the casing. I

A third fixed fulcrum of the lever mechanism is shown at C about which the flapper operating lever II pivots.

Main movable or adjustable fulcrum points are also provided in the mechanism, one of them generally indicated at D is'mounted on the frame I05. The other generally indicated at E is mounted on rack, supported by bellows "and I0.

The distributing link I00 has four arms (Figs. 6 and 7) H3, H4, H5 and'I'Ii. Arm 5 which extends generally parallel to a link passing between points D and B when the control point is substantially central is connected by means of a resilient link II! with one arm IIO of a bell crank (Figure 8) comprising the arm IIO, a shaft H9 and an arm'l20. The arms H0 and III are securelyattached to the shaft I I9 which is mounted between the plates I06 and I01 of frame I05. The link II I although normally of a predetermined length is made resiliently contractable so that in the event" of unusual movement of the distributing link I00 undue strain will not be placed on the mechanism but will be absorbed by the resiliency of the link I I1.

Pivotal movement of link I00 is thus transmitted to arm I20. Linked to arm III by means generally indicated provided with an enlarged hand corner of Fig. '4) of m I29 Figure '10, and arm I00. 7

arms I23 and I30 being secured to the shaft which is pivotally mounted between supporting bars I3I and I32, which bars are rigidly spaced from one another by means of spacing sleeves I33 and held together by screws I34. A screw I30 serves to mount bar I32 on the back of the casing and a projection I36 accurately aligns the bar with the casing. It is noted that the axis of the shaft I29 is coincident with the fixed fulcrum point C.

With the linkage as described pivotal movement of shaft 40 and distributing link I is transmitted to hell crank arm I30.

By the mechanism shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, the motion of bell crank arm I30 is resiliently transmitted to the long lever II freely mounted on spindle shaft I29 by means of a lever III! also freely supported on the spindle I23 and having an inwardly projecting lug I38. Arm I30 is resiliently held against the inwardly projecting lug I33 by means of a light coil spring I40 and lever II is resiliently held against the outwardly projecting lug I39 by means of light coil spring I. wise positively drives lever I3I through the lug I38 but only resiliently drives lever II through spring I. Movement of lever I30 counter-clockwise miliently pulls lever I3I in the same direction which positively drives lever II in the same direction. Lever II however is free to move about the spindle I29 in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction without moving arm I30.

Thus the lever II is mechanically though resiliently linked to the shaft 40 and to the rack I3. As shown in Figures 7 and 15 through 18, the linkage mechanism is so adjusted that a relatively large movement of the shaft 40 and distributing link I00 produces only a relatively small movement of the arm I22. Thus, an appreciable change in the liquid level in the container would cause only a relatively small correction to be made by the control mechanism to the settin of the valve motor I9.

When the above described mechanism is in operation, any movement of the flapper produced by movement of the ball float, acting through the distributing link I00, which would tend to cover or uncover nozzle 60 affects the pressure in throttling bellows to move the rack 13 and point E to move the flapper back to a position just tangent to the nozzle. This p mary reaction is such that the flapper is maintained tangent to the nozzle by change of the position of the rack I3 and is such that the quantity change in pressure in bellows I4 is proportional to the change in the ball float position.

In addition to this primary reaction" there is a secondary reaction" produced by the reset bellows I5. Bell'ows 15' opposes bellows I4 and has a pressure connection with bellows I4 through the capillary tubing I9. Thus a differential in :pressure between the bellows l4 and the bellows I produces a rate of change of pressure in the bellows I4 which is directly proportional to the difference o1"- the pressures.

when the ball float and distributing link I00 are stationary and there is a rate of change of pressure in the bellows I5 the same rate of change of pressure occurs in the-bellows I4. This is due to the primary reaction which holds the flapper "tangent to the nomle which requires that the same diflerential in the pressures exist between andbellows I'4-andv I5 so long as the ball float distributinglink I00 are stationary.

Thus movement of lever I30 clockpressure in bellows 14.

At one particular'podtion of the ball and distributing link I00, the flapper will be held tangent to the nozzle with zero pressure diil'erential between the bellows I4 and I5. That is, the pressures in the bellows are equal and there is a zero rate of change in both bellows I4 and I5 and the value of the pressure in the bellows may be of any value between zero and a full supply of pressure. This position of the ball float and distributing link is the control point of the airoperated control mechanism.

A rate of change of pressure in the bellows 15' is produced by a deviation of the ball float and distributing link from this control point and the value of the rate of change of pressure in the bellows I5 for a given capillary resistance I8 is proportional to this deviation. The rate of change of the pressure in bellows I5 is positive when the deviation of the ball float is produced by a high liquid level and is negative when the deviation of the ball float is produced by a low liquid level.

The primary reaction tends to produce decreased pressure in the bellows I4 when the ball float is below the control point, whereas a positive rate of level change produces a positive rate of pressure change in the bellows I4. The secondary reaction tends to produce a positive rate of change for a deviation of the ball float above the control point. Therefore the primary and secondary reactions together will cause the actual pressure in bellows I4 to be the algebraic sum of these two effects. The pressure in bellows I4 may be increasing, decreasing, or standing still, dependent on the rate of change of the level at certain deviations and will always have zero rate of change when the control point is reached. Since it is desirable that any changes in the rate of flow from the tank I0 should behave in accordance with the same general characteristics as the pressure in bellows I4, the pressure in bellows I4 is used as the Operating pressure of the valve motor I9.

As explained above, any equal pressures from zero to a full supply of pressure may exist in the bellows I4 and I5 when the rack I3 is in its neutral position and the ball float at its control point.

As described above, an instrument set-up as shown in the drawings has a wide throttling range so that a rising liquid level produces only a relatively small corresponding increasing of the The instrument thus adjusted can be used for maintaining the flow from the container approximately constant, i. e., without wide variations or surges in the flow in line II, while at the same time always correcting the flow in the direction to correct for variations in the liquidlevel. The control point at which the level is maintained or at which the instrument is set to maintain the level' is manually adjustable by shifting the position of the fulcrum D. This is accomplished by pivoting frame I05 about its pivotal support to shift bodily the fulcrum of bell-crank H0, H3, I20. The shifting of the frame is accomplished through a connecting link I42 attached at one end to outer plate I06 and at the other end to a crank arm I43 secured to a bevel gear wheel I 44 carried on a shaft I 45 mounted on a frame I48 suitably supported on the wall of the casing. Rotation of gear I 44 to swing crank I43 to shift the position of frame I0! is accomplished by turning a knurled knob I4I extending from a shaft I44 to the outside of the worm gear at which the mechanism (so that a unit rise or for transmitting movement casing. The inner end of the shaft carries 8.

I49 for driving gear I. The position of frame I05 and of the point is set to maintain the liquid level is indicatedby means of a pointer I50 (referring to Figures 7, 8 and 15) mounted on U-shaft I which swings from supporting arms I53, I54. These supporting arms are car ried by posts I5I secured by -screws I5Ia on the back of the casing, A connecting screw I6l is provided for adjusting the angular position of pointer I50 and the front leg of the U-shaft I60. Secured to the inner arm of the leg I54 of the U-shaft I60 and in properly adjusted relationship with respect thereto is a lever I62 connected by means of a wire link I63 with a raised projection I64 extending from the outer plate of frame I05.

The position of the ball-float and the shaft 40 and distributing link I00 is indicated by pointer I65'rigidly secured to U-shaft I66 which is pivotally mounted on arms I52 and I55. To the inner arm of the U-shaft I66 is secured in properly adjusted position with reference thereto the pivot point lever I6'I which by means of a wire link I68 is connected to arm Ill of distributing link I00.

As shown in Figure 7, the various links and connections are preferably so related and proportioned with respectto each other that when the controlpoint is in the middle .of the operative control range of the instrument, the'pivot point between the connection I" and the bell crank arm II 8 is coincident with the axis B so that adjustment of. the control point above 'or below the mid-position produces a minimum angular change in the linkage mechanism and connections and so that such change as is produced by such adjustment is the same whether the control point he set up or down. In the mid-position of adjustment, too, it is preferable that the angle formed between the respective arms H5 and H6 and their connecting link I ll be substantially 90 fall of the liquid level produfgs the same motion of the bell crank I 6- 0. v

The linkage mechanism as shown in Figure 7 of the shaft Y40 and movement of the rack 13' to the flapper is preferably substantially free from frictionalresistance and lost motion. In the present-embodiment this is accomplished by having the bell cranks and the shaft I29 loosely mounted in their respective supports and by having the connections between the connecting links and the bell cranks also free and loose. Thus friction is reduced to a point where it does not interfere with the movement of the parts. I

The linkage also is free from lost motion. The parts are light in weight and hang on their respective supports which are all concave curved surfaces that always center the parts in the same,

centers: Thus there is no side play such'as would introduce lost motion.

The rack 13 supported between the two spring bellows also moves without any undue 'frictional resistance.

Different positions of the linkage mechanism are shown in Figures 15 through 18. In Figme 15, the linkage is shown (as in Figure 7) with the control point set substantially in the center. The

liquid level also is at the desired level. Preferably when in this position the arms I20 and I22 of the bell cranks are parallel and the connecting link I2I is perpendicular to arms I20 and I22 so that movement of the distributing link I00 after being made. A fine adjustment between level from the control point produces only arelaclockwise or counter-clockwise, produces equal movement of the arms I20 and I22 in each direction.

. To these ends numerous adjustments of the linkage mechanism are provided. The link I2I is 5 preferably formed of two parts suitably joined (Figure 8) by screws I2Ia positioned in slots I2Ib so that-the length of the link may be adjusted to make the arms I20 and I22 parallel after the link I20 has been moved to a horizontal position. This connection is permanently secured after this adjustment. During assembly the distributing link I00 is radially adjustable with respect to shaft 40 and the ball-float so that by central positioning of the ball float the distributing link I00 is horizontal. This is a factory adjustment made by adjusting the position. of block 41 about shaft 40. Another assembly adjustment is provided by making the length 0! link I21 adjustable by forming it in two parts held together by screws I2'Ia. so that the position of the bell crank I26-I29-I30 may be adjusted independently of the movement of arms I20 and I22. This adjustment is permanently secured lever II and the flapper is provided by the adjustable stop screw 10.

In Figure 16 the position of the parts is shown with the control point shifted to maintain -a liquid level above that which would be maintained by the position of the parts in Figure 15.

Figure 18 shows the position of the parts when the control point is set as shown in Figure 15 but with the liquid level above the desired level, thereby causing the distributing link I00 to be rotated clockwise, and arms I20 and I22 to be lowered to move the arm I24 counterclockwise. This, as above described, tends to uncover nozzle 60, so that the pressure in bellows II is increased to move rack I3 to the right to maintain the flapper 6| tangent to the nozzle. The increased pressure opens the valve further and as the liquid level moves back toward the control point, the pointer I65 moves back toward the central control point position of pointer I50.

When a tank is inserted in a process to absorb surges in flow, the liquid level controller used in connection with the tank is adjusted to have a reasonably wide throttling range so that surges in the flow into the tank are absorbed and the flow out is made more uniform. To this end the mechanical advantage of the linkage as shown in the drawings is such that deviation of the liquid tively small movement of arm I24 and a consequent relatively small proportional change of pressure in bellows I4 and consequent movement of rack I3 to keep the flapper 6| tangent to the nozzle 60. But in instances where a tank is so used as to require a substantially constant liquid level, it is desirable to adjust the controller to give it a narrower throttling range so-the same deviation of the ball float will cause much larger proportional 65 change in pressure in bellows 14, to keep the a nozzle and flapper tangent. To' accomplish this as shown in Figure '7,the connecting link I2l i adjustably connected to arms I20 and I22 by means of a spring clip arrangement shown in 70 Figur 9 wherein a spring me is adapted to engage notches I2Id positioned along the bottom edges of the'arms I20 and I22. Movement of the link I2I to the right along the arms I20 and I22 decreases the throttling range. The throt- 75 the both mounted on a sleeve I11 freely pivoted about shaft I29. The arm I15 is connected by means of a link I18 to the upper arm I II of the distributing link- I00. The other arm I18 carries at its outer end an extension I19 adjustably secured to the arm I18 by screws I80. The extension I19 carries at its end a yoke member having depending sides I 8| and I82 between which lies the upper end of lever 1|. Movement of shaft 40 and distributing link I 08 pivots the extension member I18 about the axis I29 independently of the movement of the bell crank arms I20 and I22.

Movement of shaft 40 moves extension I19 much farther than lever 1| is moved by the same movement of shaft 49. with this mechanism as the liquid level approaches the extremes allowed by the throttling action of the control mechanism, the yoke I19 overtakes the lever II and moves it independently of movement of the arms I20 and I22.

Figure 20 shows the range in which it may be desirable to have the yoke I 19, which really serves as the' fast throttling safety device, come into effect. Figure 17 shows the position of the mechanism when the shaft and its associated parts have moved sufllciently far to bring the safety device into operation. The safety device in effect changes the control instrument, as shown in Figure 20, from a relatively wide throttling to a very narrow or fast throttling control. The levels at which it is desired to have the safety device take effect may be adjusted by lengthening or shortening the arm made up of arms $18 and I 19. The longer the arm the narrower is the fast throttling range and the sooner the safety device overtakes lever H and narrows the wide throttling-range. Shortening of the arm produces the opposite effect.

In the event that it is desired to change the position of the ball-float mechanism to the righthand rather than the left-hand side of the control mechanism, provision is made to shift the position of the link I21 to the-upper end of arm I and to shift the link I18 to arm IIG of distributing link IIIO. In addition it is necessary to reverse the connections from the equalizing valve and to connect the control head to bellows 15 instead of to bellows 14.

I claim- 1. Control apparatus for maintaining a liquid level at a desired level by varying an agent influencing the liquid level comprising a ball-float substantially frictionlessly pivoted on a support, a shaft, the axis of which is coincident with the axis about which the ball-float pivots, said shaft being mounted in a pressure tight bearing, a resilient connection between the shaft and ball float for transmitting rotational movement of the ball-float to the shaft, and means operable by said shaft for varying said agent.

2. Control apparatus for maintaining a liquid levelat a desired level by varying an a ent ins-"' fluencing the liquid level comprising a ball-float substantially frictionlessly pivoted on a support,

a shaft, the axis of which is coincident with the axis about which the ball-float pivots, said shaft being mounted in a substantially frictionless pressure tight bearing, a resilient connection between the shaft and ball-float for transmitting rotational movement of the ball-float to the shaft, a control couple and mechanical linkage connecting said shaft and control couple substantially free of frictional resistance and lost motion.

3. Control apparatus for maintaining a liquid level at a desired level by varying an agent infiuencing the liquid level comprising a ball-float substantially frictionlessly pivoted on a support, a shaft, the axis of which is coincident with the axis about which the ball-float pivots, said shaft being mounted in a substantially frictionless pressure tight bearing, a, resilient connection between the shaft and ball-float for transmitting,

rotational movement of the ball-float to the shaft, a control couple, mechanical linkage connecting said shaft and control couple substantially free of frictional resistance and lost mo- .tion, and said linkage mechanism being adjustable to vary the throttling range of the control apparatus.

4. Control apparatus for maintaining a liquid level at a desired level by varying an agent influencing the liquid level comprising a ballfloat substantially frictionlessly pivoted on a support, a shaft, the axis of which is coincident with the axis about which the ball-float pivots, said.

shaft being mounted in a substantially frictionless pressure tight bearing, a resilient connection between .the shaft and ball-float for transmitting rotational movement of the ball-float to the shaft, a control couple, mechanical connectingsaid shaft and control couple substantially free of frictional resistance and lost motion, said linkage mechanism being adjustable to vary the throttling range of said control apparatus, and means for converting said control mechanism into an open and shut control as the limits of the. throttling range are approached.

5. Apparatus for measuring a liquid level in a tank comprising a sealed float chamber having a vertical portion and a connecting horizontal portion, said chamber being so connected with said tank that the level in said tank seeks the same level in the float chamber, a ball float in the vertical portion of said float chamber, a rod extending from said float in to the horizontal portion of said chamber, a rack intermediate the ends of said rod, and a downwardly opening notch provided in said rack; a supporting arm in said horizontal portion extending from the wall thereof, a knife edge bearing support mounted on said supporting arm and adapted to coact with the notch of said rack to support said rod rotatably, a rotatable shaft extending through said float chamber axially aligned with the knife edge of said knife edge bearing support and a resilient connection between said rack and shaft aligned linkage,

inra plane containing said knife edge and the y arm housing and arranged with its axis of oaarm housing,

arm housing, 'a float arm,

said pivotal mounting, means for transmitting 1 float arm, comprising a tion substantially in alignment with the pivotal axis of said pivotal mounting, means for transmitting movement of said float arm to said transmission element, and means for locking said float arm in a rigid position with the elements of said pivotal mounting separated, comprising an arcuate serrated element on, said float arm, a projection on said float arm housing normally spaced therefrom, and means engageable with said arcuate element and operable to engage the teeth thereof with said projection.

11. In a liquid level responsive device, a float arm housing, a float arm, a float thereon, a substantially friction free'pivotal mounting-for said float arm, an oscillatable transmission element extending from the interior to the exterior of said float arm housing and arranged with its axis of oscillation substantially in alignment with the pivotal axis of said pivotal mounting, means for transmitting movement of said float arm to said transmission element, spring, and means for locking said float arm in a rigid position with the elements of said pivotal mounting separated. v

12. In a liquid level responsive device, a float arm housing, a float arm, a float thereon, a substantially friction free pivotal mounting for said float arm, a movable transmission element extending from the interior to the exterior of said float housing, and means for transmitting movement of said float arm to said transmission element comprising a leaf spring.

13. Apparatus for controlling the level ofv liquid in a tank comprising, in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating the flow of liquid affecting the level in the tank. and mechanism operative responsively to the first means forcontrolling actuation of the regulating means, said mechanism having a relatively wide throttling range providing for such actuation of the regulating means as to maintain the flow substantially uniform and permitting variation of the level of liquid within relatively wide limits from a prethe wall of said sealed chamber, a knife edge bearing support mounted on said supportingarm and adapted to coact with the notch of said rack to support said rod rotatably, a rotatable shaft extending through said float chamber axially aligned with a knife edge of said knife edge bearing support and a resilient connection between said rack and shaft aligned in a plane containing said knife edge and the axis of said shaft.

7. In a liquid level responsive device, a float a float arm, a float thereon, a substantially friction free pivotal mounting for said float arm, comprising a knife-edge bearing, counterbalance means within said float arm housing for said float arm and float, an oscillatable motion transmission element extending from the interior to the exterior of said float cillation substantially in alignment otal axis of said pivotal mounting, means for transmitting movement of said float arm to said transmission element, comprising a leaf spring of tortuous shape, and means for locking said float arm in a rigid position with the elements of said pivotal mounting separated, comprising an arcuate serrated element on said float arm, a projection on said float arm housing normally spaced therefrom, and means engageable with said arcuate element and operable to engage the teeth thereof with said projection.

8. In a liquid level responsive device, a float a float thereon, a substantially friction free pivotal mounting for said float arm, comprising a knife-edge bearing, counterbalance means within said float arm housing for said float arm and float, an oscillatable transmission element extending from the interior to the exterior of said float arm housing and arranged with its axis of oscillation substantially in alignment with the pivotal axis of with the pivmovement of said float arm to said transmission element, comprising a leafspring of tortuous shape having a portion extending at substantially right angles to said axes, and means for locking said float arm in a rigid position with the elements of said pivotal mounting separated, comprising a set screw engageable with said float arm to move it to a position engaging a portion of said float arm housing.

9. In a liquid level responsive device, a float arm housing, a float arm, a float thereon, a substantially friction free pivotal mounting for said float arm, an oscillatable transmission element extending from the interior to the exterior of said float arm housing and arrangedwith its axis of oscillation substantially in alignment with the pivotal axis of said pivotal mounting, means for transmitting movement of said float arm to said transmission element, comprising a leaf spring, and means for locking said float arm'in a rigid position with the elements ofsaid pivotal mounting separated, comprising an arcuate serrated element on said float arm. a projection on said float arm housing normally spaced therefrom, and a set-screw engageable with said arcuate element and operable to engage the teeth thereof wlth said projection.

10. Inaliquid level responsive device, a float arm housing, a float arm, a float thereon, a substantially friction free pivotal mounting for said v knife-edge bearing, an oscillatable transmission element extending from the interior to thecexterior of said float arm housing and arranged with its axis of osciila-' maintain, said mechanism including means effective upon the liquid level reaching said limits to change the operation of the instrument to a faster throttling one thereby providingfor such actuation of the regulating means that the liduid level is prevented from varying appreciably beyond said permissible limits of variation.

' 14. Apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank comprising, in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating the flow of liquid affecting the level in the tank, and mechanism operative responsively to the first means for controlling beyond said permissible means for adjusting the limits of variation, and limits of level variation tive.

actuation of the regulating means, said mech'- uid level is prevented from varying appreciablyatwhich said last-named means becomes effec-' determined level which the mechanism seeks to point corresponding to a predetermined level of liquid in the tank which the mechanism through said regulating means seeks to maintain, the mechanism having a relatively wide throttling range providing for such actuation of the regulating means that the flow is maintained substantially uniform while permitting liquid level to vary between relatively wide limits from the predetermined level but always tending to return the liquid level to the control point.

16. Apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank comprising, in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating flow affecting the level -in the tank, and mechanism operative responsively to the first means for controlling actuation of the regulating means, said mechanism including means for establishing a control point corresponding to a predetermined level of liquid in the tank which the mechanism through the regulating means seeks to maintain, the mechanism having a relatively wide throttling range providing for such actuation of the regulating means that the level of liquid in the tank may vary within relatively wide limits from the predetermined level, said mechanism further including means operative upon the liquid level reaching said limits. to change the wide throttling range to a narrow range thereby providing such actuation of the regulating means that the liquid level is prevented from varying appreciably beyond said permissible limits of variation.

17. Apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank, comprising in combination means responsive to the liquid level in the tank, means for regulating flow of fluid afiecting the level in the tank, mechanism for controlling the actuation of said regulating means, said mechanism including means for establishing a control point thereby to establish a predetermined value or control point of said liquid level which the mechanism through the regulating means seeks to maintain, and a leverage system including a first arm movable responsively to the first means, a second arm movable responsively to the first arm, the eifective length of said arms determining the throttling range of said mechanism, and provisions foradjusting the effective length of said arms to adjust the trottling range as desired.

18. Control apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank comprising in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating flow of liquid afiecting the level in the tank, mechanism for controlling the actuation of said regulating means, said mechanism including a leverage system having a first arm movable responsively to the first means about a positionable axis whose position determines the control point of the mechanism and thereby establishes a predetermined level of liquid in the tank which said mechanism through said regulating means seeks to maintain, a second arm movable about a second axis, a link extending between said arms for transmitting movement of the first arm to the second arm, the effective length of said arms being adjustable and determining the throttling range of the mechanism, and means for positioning the first axis to set the control point of the mechanism.

19. Control apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank comprising in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating fiow of liquid aiIecting the level in the tank, mechanism for controlling the actuation of said regulating means, said mechanism including a leverage system having a first arm movable responsively to the first means about a positionable axis whose position determines the control point of the mechanism and thereby establishes a predetermined level of liquid in the tank which said mechanism through said regulating means seeks to maintain, a second arm movable about a second axis, a link extending between said arms for transmitting movement of the first .arm to the second arm, the effective length of said arms being adjustable and determining the throttling range of the mechanism by moving the link therealong, and means for positioning the first axis whereby to set the control point of the mechanism.

20. Control apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a tank comprising in combination, means responsive to the level of liquid in the tank, means for regulating flow of liquid affecting the level in the tank, mechanism for controlling the actuation of said regulating means, said mechanism including a leverage system having a first arm movable responsively to the first means about a positionable axis whose position determines the oontrollpoint of the mechanism and thereby establishes a predetermined level of liquid in the tank which said mechanism through ,said regulating means seeks to maintain, a second arm movable about a'second axis, a link extending between said arms for transmitting movement of the first arm to the second arm, the eifective length of said arms being adjustable and determining the throttling range 01' the mechanism, means for positioning the first axis whereby to set the control point of the mechanism, and normally ineflective means which are rendered effective as the limits of the said throttling range are reached to narrow the throttling range.

CLESSON E. MASON. 

